Meet The Team

“My passion is in promoting well-being and post-traumatic growth (as opposed to post-traumatic stress) for people who have experienced an activating event, a problem causing distress, or a desire to create a life change of some kind. As a counsellor I work with a lot of young people and parents, but can work with people from all walks of life.

Talking to people has always been my forte, from my early years as a hairdresser I was aware that my clients trusted me and I would bear witness to many things in their lives, happy, sad, and even traumatic.

When I began my career in health and fitness in 2011 I originally used it to keep myself motivated after having kids. I had to turn up, people were relying on me, but it was my time out. I worried constantly about my children, after some traumatic events both during and after their births, in fact, I barely have any memories of those early years because my brain was so full of worry and hypervigilant for potential dangers or things that could make them sick, it was one of the few things that could turn my brain off for a while.

I quickly attracted people who were using the gym to help with their own issues, like mental health, body image, self-worth, relationship problems, and more. Studying one thing turned into another and slowly my career and work have shifted. My first role outside of talking to people at the salon or the gym was as a well-being coach at an eating disorder clinic where I worked with women in a group setting, under the guidance of a psychologist to redefine their relationship to food, and moving their bodies.

Fast forward to the last 6 or so years and I have worked as a parenting coach with foster networks, in high school wellbeing teams, and as a mental health and wellbeing educator around Australia and NZ, both for Red Cross and in my own business. Program Counsellor SA for Raise Foundation and as a therapist in drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation Tumbelin Farm with young men.

My passion for mental health and education revolves around social inclusion, mental health, and wellbeing literacy, and advocacy of a healthy Australia.”

Modalities most used: Trauma Focussed Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Internal Family Systems, Systemic Family Therapy, Mindfulness, and Somatic Therapy, Brainspotting.

Shani works with people face-to-face in the Salisbury and Gawler clinics, and online.

COUNSELLING, PSYCHOTHERAPY

Hafizah Syed Alwi

Qualifications:

Bachelor In Psychology

Master’s in Counselling & Psychotherapy

Registered Play Therapapist

Professional Membership: ACA level 2

"I found my passion for mental wellbeing at a very young age, as a high-school student desperate for a safe haven and a place to lean on. I quickly realised how heavy the stigma around seeking support really is, influenced by so many different elements! This only motivates me further to advocate and educate others about mental health.

My personal mental health journey led me to further pursue a degree in counselling and psychotherapy so I can contribute in making a change, one step at a time. I am trained in an integrative approach including Trauma, Attachment and Grief through a multicultural lens. I adopt a trauma-informed, client-centred approach as my aim is to provide a safe and comfortable space for you to BE YOU, explore and make sense of your own unique experiences.

My first role in the field was a very full circle moment for me where I provided 1:1 and group support to young people at a school in Malaysia. Here, I also organised different mental wellbeing programs.

I then made a big decision to move to Australia in 2020, before I realised that the whole world would change! Navigating through the changes in my life amidst a worldwide pandemic strengthened my passion and belief in the importance of mental wellbeing.

I have since worked 1:1 with people from different walks of life including in healthcare and school settings. I also work with children in navigating through their experiences through play, art and symbolic expression which allows them to share and explore their stories while distancing themselves from what could be overwhelming for them.

I have a strong interest in working with and supporting young adults with a range of issues. In particular, issues around cultural identity, displacement, and change.

I look forward to walking alongside you in your wellbeing journey!"

Hafizah works with young people aged 10-25 on Fridays at in the Salisbury clinic, outreach and online.

“My journey into mental well-being started early in life, navigating through the challenges of depression, anxiety, and an eating disorder. I regularly felt confused by my complex thoughts, emotions, and behaviours. I felt a lack of meaning and purpose with a deep longing for connection. I experienced workplace bullying and was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease that led to a ‘mental breakdown’ propelling me on a path of self-discovery and the pursuit of greater well-being.

During this chaos, I gravitated toward studying psychology, believing it held the key to understanding the human mind. However, I became dissatisfied with the clinical/medical model’s tendency to diagnose issues without fostering true healing. Counselling and psychotherapy are expansive and exploratory, and in this study, my interest in early relationship attachment dynamics and the embodied nature of trauma took hold. I believe that many symptoms prevalent in our society are natural responses to abnormal circumstances and I am passionate about understanding the ways stress, emotions and cognitive processes contribute to or alleviate our discomfort.

This curiosity has motivated me to explore various modalities, and I honour the uniqueness of individual experiences. I utilise Embodied Processing Therapy which is a bottom-up approach to healing trauma and nervous system dysregulation.  As we draw on the body's wisdom to discharge stress, heal, and restore balance, Embodied Processing offers hope and optimism. By acknowledging the intimate connection between the mind, body, and soul, we gently delve into the foundations of our experiences, fostering genuine transformation and a return to an embodied, balanced state of being.

As someone who embraces neurodiversity and supports the LGBTQIA+ community, I extend a warm invitation, as it would be my honour for you to join me on your well-being journey. I want to work side by side, collaboratively fostering resilience, understanding, and growth. I acknowledge that the path to healing is diverse, and everyone is different and it would be my privilege to share and support this transformative journey with you.”

Sharon works with young people 10+ and adults in both Salisbury and Gawler clinics, online and outreach.

“I am a strong advocate for educating others about mental health issues and being part of the solution to removing the stigma. My passion and desire to create change were strengthened throughout my life with lived experiences involving mental health within my family, friendships, relationships, and work environment.

My own experience with kinesiology in 2010 caused by a persisting pain in my neck made me realise the core emotional issues I was unconscious of. 

This led me to study Complementary Medicine where I learned holistic approaches to dealing with emotions, holistic well-being, and mental health and wellness. Since my original studies, I have developed my knowledge and interest in mental health and well-being, IEP Tapping (Energy Tapping), trauma, and the benefits of mindfulness and gratitude in the brain and body. I bring this knowledge together to support clients, working 1:1 or in workshops and training sessions.

Living as a partner of a Defence Member, gave me a significant personal understanding of the complexities of military/army life (including deployment) and military transition, as well as seeing the full spectrum of interactions with government agencies such as DVA during the military transition.

I have a diverse background of experience including workplace health and safety, account management, business development, and legal/compliance/government/regulatory sectors.

My aim is to run engaging, informative and inclusive courses delivered in a concise and empathetic manner to give personal takeaways to each participant in my groups.”

Stacey is based in Canberra and works with 1:1 clients online and delivers courses with Shani, around Around Australia.